Photo: Stephen Gibson/photohome.co.uk
GENEVA, 14 November 2015 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation(LWF) condemns in the firmest terms the despicable attacks in Beirut and Paris, this Thursday and Friday, which have caused massive loss of lives.
In a joint statement by LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan and General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge, the Lutheran leaders conveyed their condolences “to all people suffering with the loss of the many lives that these attacks have caused.”
Media reports say more than 120 people have died following the 13 November evening attacks by armed gunmen at a music hall and bombings in other parts of the French capital, Paris. Several others suffered serious injuries. In the 12 November suicide bombings in the Lebanese capital Beirut, over 40 people were killed and more than 200 were injured.
“We pray for the victims of the attacks, as well as for those mourning and seeking consolation,” Younan and Junge said.
They noted that the recent attacks should not discourage efforts by people of faith to work together to promote peace and justice, and reiterated an emphatic “No” to using religious motives to justify violence.
Younan and Junge affirmed the role of people of faith in such times: “This is a time for churches, synagogues and mosques to pray and work even harder for peace within and among their communities, and to do this together wherever possible.”
